A Guide for Frontline Workers - National Drug Strategy

Self-help groups
What are self-help groups
Self-help groups for heroin (and other opioid) dependence are made up of people
who have been directly affected by heroin use helping each other to stay drug free.
These groups are run by their own members rather than by professionals.
The major self-help group for people who use heroin and other drugs is Narcotics
Anonymous (NA). NA runs self-help groups in the community that follow the 12-step
program first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Members work through the
12 steps at their own pace with the support of their sponsor and other members. At
meetings people share their experiences as drug users, and the issues they face.
Issues to consider about self-help groups
One of the best things about self-help groups is the understanding of problems that
groups can offer, as members have real life experience. They also provide an
opportunity to make friends, and join social networks that do not involve using
drugs. Some groups provide a range of other helpful support services too, for
example, support and advice during detoxification.
NA can be made a part of any treatment plan where the goal is to stop using drugs.
Some NA groups accept members who are in substitution programs (methadone or
buprenorphine) as well.
Self-help groups, such as NA, are free, regular, generally easy to access, and
available for as long as a person wants to attend. Everything said during meetings is
kept confidential and anonymous. NA is listed in the telephone directory and has a
web site listing all meeting times and locations.
Very little research has been conducted on how effective self-help groups are, and for
whom, mainly because of their rules about members remaining anonymous. This does
not mean they are not helpful.
It is important for people to find a self-help group with whom they feel comfortable -
it is recommended that people go to a meeting at least 3 times to see how suitable it
is likely to be for them.
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